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Any physique competitor with three Bikini Olympia titles and two Bikini International (Arnold Classic) wins to their credit should be considered one of the best to ever step onto the stage. For Ashley ... Read more
The post Ashley Kaltwasser — Bikini Division Career, Competition History, and Biography appeared first on BarBend.
Any physique competitor with three Bikini Olympia titles and two Bikini International (Arnold Classic) wins to their credit should be considered one of the best to ever step onto the stage. For Ashley Kaltwasser, that’s just a fraction of the accomplishments on her world-beating resume.
Kaltwasser has been a consistent threat at the top of her division since she first debuted back in 2011. And since then, she hasn’t just established herself as one of the G.O.A.T.s of her division — you can argue she’s one of the most successful physique competitors of all time. Take a closer look at her incredible career below.
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A post shared by MUSCLECONTEST (@musclecontest)
[/quote]
[Related: Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss, Muscle Gain, and More]
Early Career
Ashley Kaltwasser was born on November 22, 1988, in Akron, OH. Growing up, she was involved with gymnastics as well as track and field before her former high school coach suggested she move into physique competitions. In 2011, Kaltwasser made her stage debut with a victory at the NPC Natural Northern USA Championships.
The following year, she notched a trademark win at the 2012 Rock Star Bikini contest at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, OH. Later that year, she earned her pro card at the National Physique Committee Team Universe contest and made her pro debut at the 2012 Houston Pro, where she placed fifth. Her breakout year came in 2013 when she won the first of her three Bikini Olympia titles.
Ashley Kaltwasser’s Contest History
Kaltwasser is best known for winning the most IFBB Pro League shows in history, with 41 victories as of August 2023. That is the most for any athlete, male or female, in any division. The next closest to her is 2008 Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson, who has 29 pro wins to his credit.
[Related: The 16 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of August 2023 — Reviewed by a Dietitian]
The following contest list was put together with records from NPC News Online, Muscle & Fitness, and Evolution of Bodybuilding. It still may not be a complete record of all the shows she competed in, but all 41 victories (as of August 2023) are accounted for.
2012
Kaltwasser’s Training Style and Workouts
High volume is the name of the game for Kaltwasser, with some muscle groups earning well over 20 sets in a single training session. This style is important for her division, where she needs to tout a leaner, more streamlined physique that doesn’t overwhelm in any one area. Her muscles need to be developed but not too developed, leading to a tough balancing act when it comes to workouts and nutrition.
[Related: 10 of the Most Memorable Bodybuilding Comebacks]
In the video above, you can see the excruciating detail that Kaltwasser puts into her training as she shows off her go-to back exercises during contest prep. If you’re up for the challenge, you can also follow along by using the back workout she provided:
Social Media and Business Ventures
Like many other champions, Kaltwasser is active on social media. As of August 2023, she has 1 million followers on Instagram, 705,000 more on Facebook, over 45,000 on TikTok, 41,000-plus on X (formerly Twitter), and over 67,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel. She posts regularly on all those platforms, including workout videos and fan Q&As.
[Related: 10 Former Olympia Champions and Underdogs Looking to Bounce Back in 2023]
Beyond the stage, she works in the fitness industry as an athlete spokesperson and model. Among the groups she works with as of 2023 are Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Angel Competition Bikinis, Trifecta, and Buff Bunny Collection sportswear. She’s also actively coaching athletes and clients.
Kaltwasser’s Future
In bodybuilding, competing for over a decade is worth a tip of the cap. Kaltwasser is in her 11th year as a pro, but she’s only in her mid-30s. Realistically, she could compete for another decade and, eventually, might become the only pro with over 50 wins to her credit. Even if she doesn’t wind up hitting that mark, her place in bodybuilding history is secure.
Featured Image: @musclecontest on Instagram
The post Ashley Kaltwasser — Bikini Division Career, Competition History, and Biography appeared first on BarBend.
Click here to view the article.
The post Ashley Kaltwasser — Bikini Division Career, Competition History, and Biography appeared first on BarBend.
Any physique competitor with three Bikini Olympia titles and two Bikini International (Arnold Classic) wins to their credit should be considered one of the best to ever step onto the stage. For Ashley Kaltwasser, that’s just a fraction of the accomplishments on her world-beating resume.
Kaltwasser has been a consistent threat at the top of her division since she first debuted back in 2011. And since then, she hasn’t just established herself as one of the G.O.A.T.s of her division — you can argue she’s one of the most successful physique competitors of all time. Take a closer look at her incredible career below.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by MUSCLECONTEST (@musclecontest)
[/quote]
[Related: Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss, Muscle Gain, and More]
Early Career
Ashley Kaltwasser was born on November 22, 1988, in Akron, OH. Growing up, she was involved with gymnastics as well as track and field before her former high school coach suggested she move into physique competitions. In 2011, Kaltwasser made her stage debut with a victory at the NPC Natural Northern USA Championships.
The following year, she notched a trademark win at the 2012 Rock Star Bikini contest at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, OH. Later that year, she earned her pro card at the National Physique Committee Team Universe contest and made her pro debut at the 2012 Houston Pro, where she placed fifth. Her breakout year came in 2013 when she won the first of her three Bikini Olympia titles.
Ashley Kaltwasser’s Contest History
Kaltwasser is best known for winning the most IFBB Pro League shows in history, with 41 victories as of August 2023. That is the most for any athlete, male or female, in any division. The next closest to her is 2008 Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson, who has 29 pro wins to his credit.
[Related: The 16 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of August 2023 — Reviewed by a Dietitian]
The following contest list was put together with records from NPC News Online, Muscle & Fitness, and Evolution of Bodybuilding. It still may not be a complete record of all the shows she competed in, but all 41 victories (as of August 2023) are accounted for.
2012
Houston Pro — 5th place
Bikini International — 10th place
Europa Show of Champions — 2nd place
Pittsburgh Pro — 2nd place
Powerhouse Classic — 1st place
New York Pro — 2nd place
Toronto Pro — 1st place
Bikini Olympia — 1st place
Sheru Classic — 1st place
Bikini International — 1st place
Australian Grand Prix — 1st place
New Zealand Pro — 1st place
New York Pro — 2nd place
Toronto Pro — 1st place
Bikini Olympia — 1st place
Korea Grand Prix — 1st place
Russia Pro — 1st place
Bikini International — 1st place
Bikini Olympia — 1st place
Nordic Pro — 1st place
Bikini Olympia — 4th place
Mile High Pro — 1st place
Vancouver Pro — 1st place
Battle of the Desert — 1st place
Bikini Olympia — 5th place
Bikini International — 3rd place
Battle at the Falls — 3rd place
Mile High Pro — 1st place
Northern California Pro — 1st place
Bikini Olympia — 6th place
Powerhouse Classic — 3rd place
World Klash Pro — 1st place
Pacific USA Pro — 1st place
Tahoe Show — 2nd place
Battle in the Desert — 1st place
Bikini Olympia — 7th place
World Klash Pro — 3rd place
Wasatch Warrior Pro — 1st place
Pittsburgh Pro — 1st place
California Night of Champions — 1st place
New York Pro — 2nd place
Mile High Pro —1st place
Clash of the Titanz — 1st place
Patriots Challenge Pro — 1st place
Texas Pro — 1st place
Tahoe Show — 2nd place
Bikini International — 4th place
Bikini Olympia — 3rd place
Romania Muscle Fest Pro — 1st place
Bigman Weekend Pro — 2nd place
Legends Pro — 1st place
Bikini International — 3rd place
Golden State Pro — 1st place
Wasatch Warrior Pro — 1st place
Pittsburgh Pro — 2nd place
Toronto Pro — 1st place
Mile High Pro — 2nd place
Patriots Challenge Pro — 2nd place
Sasquatch Pro — 1st place
Arnold Classic UK — 1st place
Nevada State Pro — 1st place
Bikini Olympia — 3rd place
Bikini International — 4th place
Pittsburgh Pro — 2nd place
Nevada State Pro — 1st place
Mile High Pro — 1st place
Patriots Challenge Pro — 1st place
Vancouver Pro — 1st place
Kaltwasser’s Training Style and Workouts
High volume is the name of the game for Kaltwasser, with some muscle groups earning well over 20 sets in a single training session. This style is important for her division, where she needs to tout a leaner, more streamlined physique that doesn’t overwhelm in any one area. Her muscles need to be developed but not too developed, leading to a tough balancing act when it comes to workouts and nutrition.
[Related: 10 of the Most Memorable Bodybuilding Comebacks]
In the video above, you can see the excruciating detail that Kaltwasser puts into her training as she shows off her go-to back exercises during contest prep. If you’re up for the challenge, you can also follow along by using the back workout she provided:
Straight-Arm Lat Pulldown: 3 x 15-20
Single-Arm Kneeling High Cable Lat Pulldown: 3 x 10-12
Plate-Loaded Pullover: 3 x 10-12
Modified Single-Arm Lat Pulldown: 3 x 10-12
Undergip Machine Lat Pulldown: 3 x 10-12
Close-Grip Lat Pulldown: 3 x 10-12
Wide-Grip High Row: 3 x 10-12
Low-Grip Machine Row: 3 x 10-12
Social Media and Business Ventures
Like many other champions, Kaltwasser is active on social media. As of August 2023, she has 1 million followers on Instagram, 705,000 more on Facebook, over 45,000 on TikTok, 41,000-plus on X (formerly Twitter), and over 67,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel. She posts regularly on all those platforms, including workout videos and fan Q&As.
[Related: 10 Former Olympia Champions and Underdogs Looking to Bounce Back in 2023]
Beyond the stage, she works in the fitness industry as an athlete spokesperson and model. Among the groups she works with as of 2023 are Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Angel Competition Bikinis, Trifecta, and Buff Bunny Collection sportswear. She’s also actively coaching athletes and clients.
Kaltwasser’s Future
In bodybuilding, competing for over a decade is worth a tip of the cap. Kaltwasser is in her 11th year as a pro, but she’s only in her mid-30s. Realistically, she could compete for another decade and, eventually, might become the only pro with over 50 wins to her credit. Even if she doesn’t wind up hitting that mark, her place in bodybuilding history is secure.
Featured Image: @musclecontest on Instagram
The post Ashley Kaltwasser — Bikini Division Career, Competition History, and Biography appeared first on BarBend.
Click here to view the article.
